Ryan, Lindfield receive Australian Sports Medal from Governor General
Australian Jackaroos Ellen Ryan and Cheryl Lindfield have been honoured as a select group of athletes to be presented with Australian Sports Medals by the Governor General, David Hurley, following their sensational performances at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Ryan enjoyed well documented success, becoming the first bowler in Games history to capture the singles and pairs gold medals at the same event.
In winning multiple events, the 25-year-old became the equal most successful Australian bowler at the Commonwealth Games in terms of gold medals, joining Carla Krizanic, Natasha Van Eldik, Rebecca Van Asch and Aaron Wilson with two.
Lindfield, as Australia’s oldest athlete in Birmingham, was magnificent in her own right, as she and Serena Bonnell boarded the flight home with a silver medal draped around their necks.
The 63-year-old won the hearts of everyone around the village, being dubbed ‘Saint Cheryl’ by fellow team members due to her humble demeanour and infectious personality.
Of the 430 athletes that flew to the United Kingdom, only 23 were selected by the Governor General to receive their medals early.
Australian Chef de Mission Petria Thomas has praised the squad for how the Games were handled amidst challenging circumstances.
“The way our diverse team came together with a can-do attitude, not just at the Games, but in the lead up, fills me with great pride,” Thomas said.
“The Australian Sports medal is a recognition of the way in which the team performed and conducted itself, both on and off the field of play, and I thank the Governor-General for his patronage and support.”
The Australian Sports Medal is awarded under the Australian Honours and Awards System, as part of the Operational and Service Awards. It is awarded to commemorate Australian sporting participation in multi-sports events.
